DAVAO CITY – The Army and police arrested an alleged top-ranking leader of the New People’s Army in Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province on Wednesday morning, June 29.
In a statement, the Army said Eddie Genelsa alias Lando, was arrested in Barangay Bongabong, Pantukan by virtue of warrants of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 3, 11th Judicial Region based in Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley Province.
The Army said Genelsa is the Philippines 19th most wanted person.
Genelsa is facing charges of arson, murder, frustrated murder and robbery.
The Army said Genelsa is the commanding officer of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Company 3 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.
A joint order issued by the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government in 2012 provides for a P5 million bounty for Genelsa’s capture, “making him at par with Leoncio Pitao alias Parago,” the Army said.
Parago is an NPA commander killed in an Army raid in Paquibato district here on June 28 last year.
Army Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division lauded the arresting Army and police personnel for their accomplishment.
He said “while the AFP continue to enforce its mandate, the military organization is fully behind and wholeheartedly supports the peace initiative of the new administration.” (davaotoday.com)
